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Trends in Dentistry
Teeth for Life
Why See a Dentist
Gum Disease
Extractions
Root Canals
Wisdom Teeth
Sealants

Modern Dentistry Trends

Laser Dentistry How Does Laser Dentistry Work? Dental lasers emit light that deliver quick pulses of heat energy to the treatment area. Various wavelengths are used depending on the type of tissue being treated. Surgical lasers are more accurate than traditional dental treatments and allow the dentist to conserve as much bone and tooth as possible. Laser Cavity Detection A low-powered laser can be used to locate tiny pits within tooth enamel that can become cavities. The laser can detect decay early. Once located, the tiny spots on the tooth can be covered with a clear sealant in order to prevent cavities. Lasers for the Removal of Decay and Damaged Gums Lasers can also eliminate the need for the dental drill and reduce patients' fears about treatment. Laser tools can be used to vaporize decay and treatment is virtually painless, eliminating the need for anesthesia. Other Uses for Laser Dentistry Gum Recontouring Hardening materials used for fillings and bonding Mini Implants The MDI System is a smaller, less costly implant that was designed specifically to support dentures. Unlike traditional implants, mini implants can be placed in areas where there may be insufficient bone to support larger implants. Mini implants can also be placed in just one day in our office, without the typical waiting time of two to six months that traditional implants take.  There is also much less recovery time and can usually be loaded immediately. Conscious Sedation If you are extremely fearful of coming to the dentist, or if you need extensive treatment, we can help with conscious sedation dentistry. Here's how it works. One hour before your dental appointment, you take the pill that we've given you. (You will need someone to drive you to and from the dental office.) The pill works quickly to create a relaxed state so you will be drowsy when you arrive. During treatment, you'll be in a sleep-like state, able to respond to any given commands or questions, unlikely to recall events. We'll carefully monitor your vital signs during the whole procedure. Sedation dentistry allows us to create a relaxing, stress-free environment for you and to perform multiple treatments in one appointment. Power Whitening If you have been disappointed with your whitening results in the past, or if you have been waiting for the right technique to come along, we have great news for you. After significant research, Dr. Porter has discovered the most effective tooth whitening technique ever known — Power Whitening. Through a combination of in-office and take home treatments you can have the beautiful, white smile you have always wanted. How does Power Whitening Work? Power whitening is actually a combination of time tested whitening techniques that have been put together in a new and exciting way. This technique COMBINES in-office treatments with take-home treatments. This is a powerful system that gives you the benefits of both types of treatments. You get the "immediate" result of in-office treatments AND the "deeper" longer lasting results of take-home treatments. Additionally, each treatment makes the other one more effective. Normally we start with an in-office treatment (approximately 1-2 hours), then proceed to a take-home treatment (approximately 2 weeks duration). The take home treatment is a custom-fitted tray prepared by Dr. Porter and comes with one year's worth of professional bleaching gel. This combination really gets your teeth their whitest. I have tried whitening in the past but had sensitivity. Can I still be treated with the Power Whitening Technique? Sensitivity is a very common temporary side effect of many whitening procedures. After significant experimentation and improvement of the treatment protocol, we feel we have greatly reduced this side effect. As a matter of fact, a desensitizing regimen is part of both the in-office treatments and the take-home treatments. Should you get some sensitivity during treatment, it will only be temporary and will subside once the whitening process has been completed. Do you have other whitening options besides the Power Whitening Technique? Yes. We have a menu of whitening options. You can choose traditional at-home treatment with whitening trays or you can choose to get your teeth their whitest by choosing Power Whitening plus the custom take home trays.